The United States has agreed to join a temporary international mechanism that will funnel funds into the PA despite earlier statements to the contrary.

The Quartet of nations, comprised of the United States, United Nations, Russia and the European Union, is working to establish a "temporary international mechanism" that it says will seek a way to infuse humanitarian funds into the Palestinian Authority (PA) while bypassing the Hamas-led administration.

Included in the humanitarian definition is paying the salaries of the PA's bloated security forces, many of them involved in planning and carrying out terrorist attacks on Israelis civilians.

Senior American officials recently indicated the White House would remain firm on its commitment not to ease the fiscal plight of the PA, in the hope of pressuring the new government to comply with demands set forth by the international community just months ago. The conditions explicitly set forth by the Quartet were that Hamas recognize the State of Israel's right to exist, cease using terrorism as a means towards an end, and abide by all previously signed agreements between the PA and Israel.

Hamas officials continue to release statements stating explicitly that they do not plan on recognizing Israel or abiding by signed agreements, stating that if and when Israel withdraws to the pre-June 1967 borders, including Jerusalem, and recognizes the so-called "Palestinian right of return," the PA administration would then contemplate ceasing terrorist activities against Israeli targets.

The Quartet is now working to establish a mechanism which would fund the PA, with US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice releasing statements that a humanitarian crisis in the PA must be avoided, exhibiting concern over the collapse of the PA. Rice stated "no one wants to see Palestinians suffer."

Some experts warn that if the fiscal situation within the PA autonomous areas is permitted to deteriorate, lawlessness and violence will only increase and total anarchy may result.

Quartet foreign ministers met in New York City and emerged with a determination to ease the financial situation within the PA for a three-month trial period. America has committed to donating $10 million towards resuscitating the PA's healthcare system.

Responding to the news, PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyah was less than enthusiastic, accusing the United States of seeking to set conditions and terms on the Hamas government, which he stated are intended to "legitimize Israel's ongoing occupation". Haniyah and his government colleagues have on numerous occasions since taking office released statements saying that their administration will never yield to Western pressure, and would find alternative funding among Arab states.